Tinago falls is indeed Iligan’s pride. I’ve been craving to visit the falls the first time I saw a video showcasing the beautiful clear blue water plus the rush of the falls in a basin of cold tempting water. Without a doubt, Iligan known as "City of Majestic Waterfalls" is part of our Mindanao escape.

Trekking down the hidden falls is not as hard and far from those I have experienced however I am not feeling well that day because of my monthly visitor (you know) but I do not want to miss this out. We hired a motorcycle (habal-habal) to bring us here. We asked them to stop at a nearby market so we can buy our lunch. We arrive at a house where the locals (plenty of them) are welcoming you offering to hire them as tour guide, we thought we needed one and it seems automatic, they even didn’t wait for us to say yes, as soon as we told that it was our first time visiting the Tinago falls, they accompanied us and assist us. (Of course with hidden charges) You also need to pay the entrance fee and a walk around 10mins to reach the more or less 500-step stairs descending to the hidden falls.

We were thrilled and excited as soon as we saw even just a peek. Then finally, after the last few steps, our tired feet was refreshed upon seeing and hearing the rumblings of the waterfalls.

I thought that there will be only few visitors but we were welcomed by plenty of people swimming, eating and as if there’s a party going on. Exploring the complete view of the location, we realized that it was not really a hidden ('Tinago' in Filipino) after all. A constructed tables and chairs were seems built for quite some time plus an abandoned pool that was now almost covered with overgrown grasses on the right side. I am sad at this point because it’s ruining the natural beauty of the waterfalls, a bridge connecting to the other side of the entrance was created and all were not maintained anymore. All seems just like an old view of the past. Some trashes were noticeable but hopefully those who are responsible will clean their place before leaving.  

After a few research back home, I found out that it used to have a resort and developed land area for vacationers. I guess its better this way.

Locals will invite you to a ride on the bamboo raft so you can get near the waterfalls, then they will offer to take pictures of you (Without realizing, also with hidden charges too). You will also enjoy watching kids jumping and swimming like a pro.

We still enjoyed the cold water and the magnificent nature still wins at the end. The locals especially the team that assist us on the raft are very fun to be with and “makukulit”. They were also having fun just like us and kept on jumping on the cliff as if it was also their first time. They really make us feel welcome and comfortable. Though we noticed that they are quite pushy with the guides and assistance because of the fee, maybe because there are plenty of them offering their service and they only get few bucks for the entire day. Probably a more regulated and organized entrance fees, porters and guides will make the transactions better and equal and will not overwhelm first time visitors like us. Anyway, visiting Iligan is still a must plus its a budget friendly trip. We spend around 1000pesos for a day trip including a visit to Maria Cristina Falls.

How to get there:

- From CDO Bulua/Westbound Terminal, Board a bus bound for Iligan City

- Upon arriving at the Iligan terminal, transfer a trike/Jeep and drop off at Gaisano Iligan

- Ride Buru-un bound jeepneys and drop off at the junction going to Maria Cristina Falls (if you want to include this on your trip)

- You can hire habal-habal to take you to Tinago Falls. They will offer to wait for you so they can bring you to the bus stop and assist you to ride back to CDO. 



“As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can".”
~ John Muir 

On top of the clouds

It’s indeed a serene moment for me, sorry for being so dramatic but really, I wanted to see myself up there, on what they've called “Playground of the Gods”. Thanks to Roseann for inviting me and to Marvin for leading and arranging a trip like this. They are such a blessing.

I tagged some of my friends along with permission. All were excited just like me. Thanks to Jona, Kathy, Jess and Dana for adding up spice on my dream trip. And of course to Hal for the hike, chill and being my assistant, haha!

It was a fair weather Thursday, Jess, Dana, Hal and I went to Victory Liner terminal to meet the others, we were such a big group that was headed by Juxtapoz Mountaineers, with Marvin being the leader. It was a fast night and we arrived at Baguio quite early. We ate breakfast waited for our service (two big jeeps) and then all set a ride to Benguet. We had a short view of Ambuklao dam and then continue the ride while the road gets rougher and narrower.

Quick shot before the rough ride

We stopped at DENR office and had a humorous yet serious briefing before they let us start the trek. It’s a good reminder for all of us to behave and respect the sacred mountain. I really admire the talk of DENR Park Superintendent Ma'am Emerita Albas, she just showed us how she value our environment and how she would encourage us all to do the same.

We then continued our ride to the Rangers Station. This really excites me as we were already at the base of the mountain. Now this is a test of strength and endurance especially for the first time hikers. (First hike major agad!)

While waiting for our guides and stuffs

The ranger station

The biggest group of hikers that day

As much as I tried to limit the weight of my backpack, it’s still heavy yet I was able to manage the hike pretty well. Thank you for almost everyday jogging 2 weeks before the hike and no leg pain at all, only my back. :D

We stop at camp 1 then it rained hard. I thought we are fully prepared already but we forgot to bring a raincoat. Luckily a local was selling blue plastic bags to act as a rain coat. We thought we will not be able to reach to camp 2 because of the heavy rain but we were able to continue the trek before the sunset. 

It was still raining when we reached the camp 2, we setup our tent as fast as we could and I cuddled inside immediately. I didn't realize I fell asleep, wasted and cold. It's not the physical strength I am nervous about on this trip but the cold temperature I'll be facing. And yes, my thick jacket is not enough. 

Majority were still putting the tent up here.

It's a tough night for all of us, it's still raining and I can't remember anymore when it stopped. We woke up at 3:00am, get ready and start the trek to the summit. This is it. 

Serene moment

I survive Mt. Pulag!

With Dana and Jess and Hal

With Kathy and Jona plus Hal again

Should keep the single file

The grassland

Overlooking our campsite

And finally we are back preparing our breakfast

Final shot before we left. (Ang dami namin!)

The White Island of Camiguin is actually a sandbar which is just a few minutes away from the shores of Camiguin. On our 2nd day, we decided to welcome the sunrise on the island. We were warned not to visit the place in the afternoon as there’s no shade or trees or whatsoever in the island and that will be sunburn all the way for all of us. Unfortunately or should I say, it’s a blessing in disguise that we had a cloudy and cold morning. Even in a not so good weather, we still proceed and visit the well-known sandbar.

Gloomy Beach of Camiguin

So what’s the result of the cloudy morning?! Not so lucky to watch the sunrise but a success to achieve our effort poses. Luckily the island was not crowded that day and they don’t mind our craziness. The island with its own pleasing look is really a Camiguin’s pride.

I'm sorry because it took a while for me to create a reply post because aside from my very bad internet line, I struggled listing 11 facts about me, yeah it's kinda hard right?

So copying the rules of the Liebster's Award, here's what you need to do: 

1. List 11 facts about you.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you .

3. Ask 11 new questions to the bloggers you are nominating.

4. Choose 9 bloggers with 200 hundred or less followers.

5. Go to each bloggers page and inform them about the award.

6. Thank the person who has nominated you and link back to his or her blog.

And here are the 11 facts about me: